Scripture: Genesis 2:8–9; Revelation 22:1–2

“Life began in a garden, and gardens continue to feed, nurture, and provide peace and beauty. Living here in western Oregon, spring is everywhere as nearly every yard, field, and pasture are beautiful shades of green decorated with yellow daffodils, forsythia, multicolored tulips, blooming fruit trees, and the color and scents of many others.” –Charlett Smith, Fruit of the Vine

Query: As we enter the beauty of springtime, where are there signs of life around you? What new signs of life are in you?

Agnus Dei

By late afternoon, even the dark side

of the earth had lost the sun’s light.

Fires spit grease sparks, and our virtues

lay frozen in a dry blackened sun.

When morning broke again over Eden,

the mysterium tremendum resembled

a relative’s brow, intent on his compost.

Good morning, brother! Growing roses

and corn from that confidence under your feet?

Salvation, spaded with that confidence,

appeared in green nip and red bud.

A blade rose thin through the thaw, and

radiance returned to ride high, like a prince,

on a marching ray of the first working day.

–Jeffrey Johnson, This Will Be a Sign